John Matara Tells Court Scarlett Wahu Asked Him to Record Their Encounter

John Matara has told the High Court that Scarlett Wahu asked him to put his phone on recording mode during their encounter inside a South B apartment where she was later found dead.

Testifying in his defence before Justice Alexander Muteti, Matara recounted the events leading up to the incident on January 3, 2024, detailing his arrangements to meet Wahu, their interactions inside the apartment and the circumstances surrounding the fatal confrontation.

Matara said Wahu asked him to position his phone on the edge of a sofa near the door to record them during an intimate encounter.

He also told the court that he had sent Wahu a video of the apartment before her arrival after she expressed a preference for a unit with a balcony.

His testimony introduced the alleged phone recording as part of his account of what transpired inside the apartment. However, the testimony provided does not establish whether investigators recovered the recording or whether it was presented as evidence in court.

Matara Speaks About Sh50,000 Debt

During his testimony, Matara also addressed the financial arrangements between him and Wahu, saying their meetings involved outstanding payments.

He told the court that the amount he owed had risen to Sh50,000 by the evening of the incident.

Matara further testified that he had contacted his sister to request a loan of Sh30,000 to help him settle the outstanding amount.

The financial dispute formed part of his account of the events preceding the fatal confrontation, although the testimony presented does not independently establish the circumstances surrounding Wahu’s death.

Matara Denies Murder Charge

Matara is facing a murder charge over Wahu’s death and has pleaded not guilty.

His testimony before Justice Muteti forms part of his defence as the court hears his account of the events leading up to the incident.